Change New Jersey registered agent

Last updated on November 23, 2022

You can change a registered agent by informing the Secretary of State via a 'Change Registered Agent/Office' form. Learn how to do this step by step.

Who are they?

Agent for service of process

Also known as a registered agent, resident agent, statutory agent, etc in various states. These agents are physically located in the state where business entities operate. They receive important legal documents on behalf of the business entity.

Receive service of process

Their primary task is to receive tax forms, judicial notices, and other legal documents during business hours, 5 days a week.

For all business entities

Most business entities including LLCs, corporations, and partnerships require these agents in every state they operate in.

Not PO boxes

Agents must have a physical street address in the state. Not just PO boxes.

Details are public

The address and contact details of these agents are made public by the Secretary of State.

Actions

Step-by-step instructions

How to change a registered agent in New Jersey?

Check the steps below:

1. Find a new registered agent

Before you plan to change your existing registered agent, make sure to find an alternative registered agent in the state.

If you are physically located in the state, you can be a registered agent for your own LLC. But paying a service provider to become a registered agent will give you much-needed peace of mind.

You can also find a new registered agent through the state's business entity search tool.

2. Inform existing registered agent

You may inform your existing registered agent about your decision to replace them.

3. Inform the State

To change the registered agent for an LLC in New Jersey, file the form 'Change Registered Agent/Office' online with the Secretary of State.

Filing fee

$25

Alternatively, you can also change the registered agent by filing your annual report if you are within the filing period of the report. This is simpler than filing the 'Change Registered Agent/Office' form, but it can only be done within the filing period.

Filing fee

$75

Registered agent

A registered agent is an agent of your LLC on whom any notice, process or demand may be served. Every LLC in New Jersey needs to have a registered agent located in the state.

Requirements

According to New Jersey Statutes § 14A:4-1:

  • 1

    Registered agent can be an individual or an authorised organisation.

  • 2

    Registered agent must have a street address where they can personally receive service of process.

  • 3

    Office of Registered agent cannot be just a mailbox service of a telephone answering service.

Failure to maintain registered agent

If you fail to appoint or maintain a registered agent, it will eventually lead to the suspension of permission to conduct business in the state.

LLC Annual Report

Every LLC has to file this report in New Jersey to stay compliant with the state laws.

Filing Annual Report

New Jersey LLC is expected to file this report annually

  • File it online on New Jersey Department of Treasury website

    Visit

Online fee

$75

Failure to pay

New Jersey does not have late fees if you miss the filing deadline, but the state will revoke your LLC after failure to file for two consecutive years.

Frequently asked questions

Business guides in New Jersey

Registered agents are mandatory for almost all entities in New Jersey including LLCs and corporations. Learn more about how these businesses are conducted in New Jersey.

New Jersey LLC

New Jersey business search

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